Cildren’s Books Bring Pleasures For Your Kid

October 25, 2009 · Filed Under Children's Books · Comment 

Now, the most important thing that comes to the mind is how to find the best books for the children. Reading is an important habit that needs to be developed in children. It is necessary for survival in today’s stiff competition. It helps the kids in learning new subjects and finding helpful information they want to know. In spite of the present era of computers, the books have their own significance. Many people believe that the magic of printed words is no more, but the fact is that internet has made reading more popular these days.

It is true that more the children read, the better they become at reading. There are many enjoyable things to read which give them the opportunity to have fun while reading. Kids find reading children’s books a pleasurable activity since such literatures give them a lot of entertaining tales and interesting information. These also help them in enhancing their language skills, vocabulary power and their ability to express themselves.

Children Books bring up new worlds and enrich lives of kids. These give children the opportunity to learn about people and places from different parts of the world. They can expand their accumulated knowledge of mankind by reading these books.

The novels that broaden children’s imagination encourage teens to experiment and test new ideas. In fact, these literatures enhance the critical thinking of kids and give them the liberty to think about various topics such as the concepts of cause & effect, problem solving, logical conclusions, etc. Now, the most important thing that comes to the mind is how to find the best books for the children. The following points can be helpful for finding such items.

* The easiest way is to go for the books you loved as a child. Thinking like a child, one can know the exact requirements of her or his kids.

* The idea of purchasing the favorite books of trusted friends and family members is also not bad. Your friends and colleagues can suggest some great ideas that might be helpful in searching the best children’s books.

* The award-winning literatures can be availed because such items are appreciated by a large number of readers.

* Going for the classic children’s literatures and the best reviewed books can also be helpful.

* Many online websites offer the list of best selling literatures for the kids. One can easily find his or her favourite books there.

In most of the cases, kids start reading the course books. However, there are many kinds of such literatures that come with an innovative way of writing. The pocket sized “board books” come in themed collections. Such items are based on a number of themes which excite the kids.

Another popular style of children’s literature is the simple picture book. These contain different pictures that give some messages. As kids are not very careful for their belongings, the physical construction of such books is designed to resist the rough handling of children.

Sincerely recommend a worthwhile book – Po Bronson’s NurtureShock. Most popular books in Top books

How To Choose A Children’s Development Books ?

October 12, 2009 · Filed Under Children's Books · Comment 

The child may develop a preference for choosing unchallenging reading matter which would slow up or even permanently stunt its progress. The prevalence of words in common usage can render less common words obsolete at this level, at least where every day conversations and everyday reading is concerned. It can then turn into a bad habit!

Choosing children’s books, or any book for our children is a challenge which should be met with care. Aside from their purely entertainment content, books can stimulate a lifelong interest in the child that wasn’t originally there, or even suggest a direction in life which the child could take later on.

It is my view that carefully chosen fiction or non fiction books have the potential to radically shape a young mind! Perhaps more so than any other form of media, because, for one thing, a book tends to have longevity. It sits on the shelf at home silently demanding to be picked up, until eventually it is.

Other forms of media are more fleeting, get lost more easily, or conveys its message too quickly as a so-called ‘blip’. But books tend to have a resilience and a staying power that, perhaps, other forms of media don’t have. This equally applies to children’s books, with an especial emphasis on reading books as opposed to picture books. More importantly, a book in the ‘hand’, enables the reader to control the assimilation of information at his or her own pace. They can also be deliberately placed in the way of a child by a discerning adult, whereas output from other media streams is based on an agenda which is not necessarily educational! So exactly what books should we place in our child’s path? And should we also allow them to make some of the choices?

The answer to the second question is almost obvious in retrospect. A child must practice his or her decision making faculty if it is to successfully run its own life later on. Decision making is an important life skill which must be practiced. And so somehow, we have to instill this ability into our offspring, and empower them to distinguish between right and wrong decisions.

Latest findings suggest that choosing a book is an excellent way for a child to practice this process and to appreciate the consequence of its actions. It is also an approach which is finding favour with teachers, who are the source of this information in the first place. There appear to be considerable benefits in allowing children to choose books for themselves.

It has been found that children who are allowed to do this, tend to spend more time reading both in the class and at home. It seems to provides them with the strong spur to keep on reading as they progress through school.

Unsurprisingly, a child that reads more, develops its reading ability and expands his or her vocabulary and reading fluency. But without a proper strategy for comparing and choosing children’s books, the art of decision making in this area could become lopsided.

Certainly, vocabulary at a certain level can be intimidating. But words like ‘perdiction’, ‘inalienable’, ‘tablature’ etc, are still relevant and in use, but have to be grown into by the reader. At some point they have to be put within the reader’s range, preferably at the earliest possible moment, because a college education isn’t always an option, and an individual may grow up developing a stigma towards more complex language.

I personally know of a woman who feels intimidated when she is in the presence of people who ‘talk nice’ or speak as if ‘they have swallowed the dictionary.’ And this is because she only progressed to a certain level of reading fluency, when possibly it could have been encouraged more by the system or by someone at home.

Recommend a worth reading book – Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol. More popular books in Top books

Higher Vocations In The Educational System

December 27, 2008 · Filed Under Children's Books · Comment 

The Srila Prabhupada educational system is designed to produce high class people, high not in wealth or status, but in character. The ideal character can be described the intellectual as tolerant and austere, of a civic leader as heroic, and so on.

However, for the training of our children, it also emphasizes the quality of independence. Farmers and merchants can create their own vocations. Whether working directly in the service of Krishna or working to maintain their families, they do not need to beg from others, nor do they need much supervision. Such higher class persons, willingly obedient to the spiritual master, are self disciplined and self reliant.

When this kind of independence is understood, then we remove the problem of finding a vocational place for our children. They do not need to for beg work from anyone. For the self disciplined, independent person, is there not unlimited work and service? Make a list with your child of ways to spread the Krishna consciousness. Surely he or she will have the ability and the inclination to perform some of them.

Choose a service with your child so that they may begin to prepare for it, such as opening a prasadam restaurant or a health food store and sell prasadam and Krishna conscious books. Perhaps, open a shop for books and devotional paraphernalia, publish devotional books, sell Krishna conscious books retail or wholesale or farm organically with oxen and sell produce. Or perhaps, cook and sell baked goods to stores or teach courses that include a Krishna conscious perspective or even produce and sell Krishna conscious music.

More ideas include selling Krishna conscious art, writing educational computer software for Krishna conscious schools, or selling items or services useful to both devotees and nondevotees such as groceries, cars, office supplies, tools, computers, printing, layout, electrical work, and health care. Develop a Krishna conscious theater company of a professional standard or begin your own ISKCON center for spreading Krishna consciousness.

Here are some suggestions for fostering a higher class mentality in your children, a mentality in which they will find positive ways to function independently. Do not think in terms of getting your son or daughter a good job and tying them to mundane schooling for that purpose. Let your child know that striving for job security by waiting upon others is less important than becoming Krishna conscious and teaching Krishna consciousness.

Put emphasis on practical education from age eleven to age fourteen, let your children spend lots of time with adults who can train them in practical work. Most adolescents will benefit from friendships with their peers, but learning practical service from adults and making spiritual friendship with them may provide a deeper relationship that is more valuable for bringing out good character.

Give your child some social, economic, and familial responsibility, at least by age twelve. For example, a fifteen year old can regularly volunteer some time at the local temple for a Krishna conscious project such as Food for Life. Even a twelve year old can do valuable service or earn money that will mean something for a family or a project. Then as children mature, they can take on chores that demand more competence.

Give your children as much responsibility as they can handle, but for children under sixteen, be strict in giving strong direction in moral and spiritual decisions. Srila Prabhupada taught that children under sixteen should be dealt with so firmly that they would not consider disobeying. It is up to you to set guide lines on such matters as what they read, what they watch on television, how they treat intoxicants, and how they behave toward members of the opposite sex.

You do not tell a fourteen year old about marijuana, then tell them it is their choice. See adolescents as useful members of society and give them opportunities to feel useful. Train your children from as young as possible to use intelligence in Krishna’s service. Reward them for doing things voluntarily and encourage vision and plans, even if undeveloped and immature.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and Hare Krishna books. Please visit these sites for Krishna art, religious gifts from India, and teaching children.

How to Introduce Your Children to Science Fiction

August 21, 2008 · Filed Under Children's Books · Comment 

As a mother and a science fiction fan, I really hope my children will grow to enjoy it as well. So far they’re too young to read novels, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get them started.

1. Science Fiction Movies

Some science fiction movies appeal to children even at a very young age. Think about the first Star Wars movie, for example. It’s still a generally good movie, and many 5 year olds I know are utterly nuts about it.

2. Comic Books

Whether or not you’re into them yourself, many comic books contain elements of science fiction, especially with many of the super heroes. The vivid illustrations and fast plot lines can be quite entertaining for children not prepared for more challenging stories… and of course the interest can continue for a lifetime.

3. Television

A variety of children’s shows also have elements of science fiction. What you can find will vary tremendously by age, and you may have to search constantly for shows you hope your kids will enjoy. But there are some great choices out there.

And as they get old enough you can show them your own favorite

4. Science Fiction Novels

Ahh, my personal favorite! Even though my kids are too young to read these by themselves, my husband and I are working on building their interest already.

First of all, they of course see us reading them all the time. That’s a great way to build interest in reading in general. If they see you read, children will read.

You can pick children’s books with elements of science fiction in them. Most kids love stories with rocket ships and aliens in them. You don’t have to worry about scientific accuracy much in the early years, of course.

We’ve also always allowed them to look at the books we own. I tried hard one time to get video of my daughter “reading” Riverworld. She was reciting Cinderella, actually, but I still thought it was cute that she picked a science fiction novel to pretend with.

As she learns to read, we’ve encouraged her to realize just how much she can read by picking up a science fiction novel and showing her that she already knows most of the words. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, for those who are wondering.

And of course, once they’re old enough, pick appropriate books. I remember starting in third grade with Heinlein’s The Star Beast.

Picking appropriate books can be challenging. Fortunately I still own pretty much ever science fiction novel I’ve ever read, so there’s a good selection of juveniles in there. But if you know whether your child likes lots of action, or dislikes violence, or is more into fantasy, you can pick out appropriate titles.

And, I must admit, there’s a certain delight in teaching my kids to enjoy the books my inlaws so disapprove of. They strongly approve of reading, but only of the right sort. Ignoring that is just fun.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.sciencefictionado.com/ because she really enjoys reading science fiction. Read some of her science fiction book reviews at her site.

Let Your Children Learn About Wildlife Through Wildlife Books

July 18, 2008 · Filed Under Children's Books · Comment 

Books are a treasure for which there is no measure. Literally, I mean you cannot weigh the value of books in terms of money. They are just too precious. They are a great source of information, whether hardcover or online. Books create a world of their own; a world of knowledge and enlightenment.

From a very young age, children are basically inquisitive by nature. They want to search and look and ask a thousand questions. Their questions are not always foolish, and yet we cannot always satisfy their curiosity. At these times, books are very helpful in feeding this curiosity and answering their millions of questions.

Remember, it is important that children learn about animals that live in the wild, as much as they know about Tommy the Labrador or Polly the Parrot. Domestic animals are ones that surround them and are a part of their everyday life. But there are also wild animals that kids need to know about. They need to know the lifestyle and habits of the tiger as well as the crocodile. God has created all things, and they all have their own unique role to play on earth. Children need not be filled with fear or any wrong notions, but should be given the facts which will assist them in making a right assumption concerning wild animals.

Books are one of the best methods of introducing animal life to children. They have a lot of colorful pictures, appealing to the senses of kids and they tempt them into wanting to see more and read more. Books have a way of opening up a whole new world to them; a world that they understand and learn to appreciate with time. Rather than acquiring a fear for the wild, it is better they learn to understand how animals live and are a part of their habitat, into which they are born.

Wildlife books have a lot of information on the lifestyle and eating habits of all animals living in the wild, be it elephants, hyenas, tigers or the crocodile. They cover each and every aspect in detail, like their daily schedules, how they hunt, what they eat and other things. This helps a child to imagine what the real thing is like, without really being physically present there. Some kids get so fascinated that they actually take such an interest in wildlife, that when they grow up, they choose the study nature as a career option.

Books play a big role in conditioning a child’s thoughts and opinions in a positive manner, towards wild animals. It would really be difficult to live our lives, and even more difficult explaining to a child, the positive aspects of the WILD, without a BOOK.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about books. When shopping for books, we recommend you shop only at the best bookstores for used wildlife books, autographed books, and vedic books.

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